HB 1604 creates a new state program to fund K-12 school construction in North Dakota, directly affecting school districts seeking state assistance for new buildings. To qualify, districts must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating renovation costs exceed 60% of new construction costs, having a failed referendum for construction/renovation within a set timeframe, and securing their share of funding. The bill establishes tiered state funding rates (from 5% to 95% of costs) based on a district’s property tax valuation ("mill value"), with a $600 million appropriation allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium. It also requires districts to use state-appointed architectural firms meeting strict in-state criteria and mandates plans for long-term building maintenance. The program expires on July 1, 2035.
HB 1172 would require a student's home school district to pay fees for distance education courses if the student's regular school doesn't offer the course during the semester or at a time that fits the student's preferred schedule. This directly affects students enrolled in distance education through North Dakota's Center for Distance Education and their home school districts. The bill specifies that districts must cover these fees instead of charging the student or their parent/guardian when course availability conflicts with the student's schedule. The policy change aims to reduce financial barriers for students seeking specific courses not available at their home school.
HB 1456 would establish a framework for certified chaplains in North Dakota public schools, allowing school districts to hire or volunteer certified chaplains (defined as those certified by national/state organizations or endorsed by religious groups) to provide support to students, staff, or parents. The bill requires background checks for all chaplains, prohibits individuals required to register as sex offenders from serving, and protects chaplains from liability unless actions were maliciously intended to harm. It allocates $500,000 from the state general fund for 2025-2027 to cover chaplain salaries, training, oversight, and program evaluation, with districts limited to $200,000 per school. The bill directly affects public school districts, chaplains, and students/staff seeking spiritual support, while exempting chaplains from standard education licensing requirements.
HB 1590 would create a pilot program allowing North Dakota parents to open student education services accounts for K-12 children. Parents could deposit up to $2,000 annually per child, with the Bank of North Dakota matching 50% of those deposits. Funds could cover authorized expenses like career courses, tutoring, mental health services, and approved educational materials, with unused funds rolling over yearly. The pilot, running 2025-2027 with $41.2 million in state funding, would close accounts if students leave the state or don't pursue higher education, requiring parent refunds for contributed amounts.
HB 1358 proposes creating a new legal framework for public charter schools in North Dakota. It would require the state education official to develop application processes, review charter requests, set annual limits (12 schools for 2025-26, increasing to 15 later), and manage funding based on student enrollment. The bill mandates charter schools to follow state assessments, prohibits charging tuition or licensing to others, and requires community representation on school boards. It also specifies that charter schools would receive state per-student funding but not local tax revenue, and would be eligible for federal funding.
